The Urban Gent | Mens Fashion and Grooming| Lifestyle Blog

To Make Payment.

2010-10-26T10:12:00.003-04:00

Walk Like a Man.

2009-09-05T00:26:00.008-04:00

(Walk Like a Man by. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons was posted, but was removed when the audio provider began showing ads)

(ooooweeeeooooo)
Walk like a man

Oh how you tried to cut me down to size
Telling dirty lies to my friends
But my own father said give her up don't bother
The world isn't coming to an end

(he said it) Walk like a man
Talk like a man
Walk like a man my son
No woman's worth
Crawling on the earth
So walk like a man my son

(ooooweeeeooooo)
(walk walk walk)

Good-bye baby I dont mean maybe
I'm gonna get along somehow
Soon you'll be cryin on account of all your lyin
Oh yeah just look who's laughing now

(I'm gonna) walk like a man
Fast as I can
Walk like a man from you
I'll tell the world forget about it girl
And walk like a man from you

(ooooweeeeooooo...)
(walk walk walk...)

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

NOTEBOOK DOODLES.

2009-09-03T12:35:00.001-04:00

Mike Perry.

When I see ART, I see COLORS.

2009-09-03T10:24:00.000-04:00

Chuck Anderson

Effigy 49. Lupe Fiasco Food and Liquor. No Patterns. Light for Drowing. Mountain Dew- Green Label Art

No Matter What I Do...

2009-09-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

Or how hard I try,
I just can't. forget. You.

Fossil Photos

2009-09-01T10:30:00.001-04:00

(In combination with The Urban Gent's Fossil Watch article)

In celebration of their 25th anniversary Fossil is having a Vintage Revival Photo Contest, here's two of my favorite pictures:

vote for this photo here.

This is Life.

2009-08-31T21:28:00.001-04:00

Frank Sinatra. I've Got You've Under My Skin.

Blast from the Past: 80s Movie Art

2009-08-21T12:36:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty much obsessed with 80s movies.

I think its because I'm an 80s baby, who knows.
I love watching them on weekdays in the middle of the day
when there's nothing pressing to do
-OR-
on Friday or Saturday nights with my bfs
while eating take-out and talking about life.

1985. Back to the Future.

1988. Coming to America.

1985. Better off Dead.

1980. Fame.

1989. Harlem Nights.

1984. Police Academy.

Drew Struzman
http://www.drewstruzan.com

Artculture. Pharrell.

2009-08-10T12:22:00.000-04:00

Pharrell in Artculture Magazine.

colorful eclectic. SIXEART

2009-08-06T23:37:00.005-04:00

www.sixeart.net

en english:

Sixeart is a multidimensional artist who expresses by his colourful works a unique universe through different artforms. Sixeart started his artistic trajectory in the World of graffiti in the late 80s. In the beginning he was simply tagging the streets of Barcelona, which led him to develop his own personal graffiti style. In the mid 90s he started experimenting with sculpture and painting until in the year 98 he felt the need to have his own Studio. Having his Studio he has been able to establish himself as a plastic artist.

His paintings are divided in three series:

Bad children with fringe
Circuits
Mutating Animals

Sixeart expresses through his childlike style, his experiences of the urban landscape, the city’s melancholy, his preoccupations regarding the evolution and its consequences, the genetic manipulation- the romanticism for the world that’s left behind, the images lost in the passage of the time…

He is influenced by the urban landscape, his city Barcelona and its social popular culture, the first Spanish painters that he has been admiring since he was a little boy and the mother nature.

All the rest at www.sixeart.net

via fabrikproject

thanks.

2009-07-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

fffound

you just do you, imma do me...

2009-07-29T10:31:00.001-04:00

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken"

-Oscar Wilde

american conversations: but, im a product of my environment

2009-07-28T21:38:00.014-04:00

i ran across this conversation on one of my friends fb pages... and had to repost it- unedited. *names have been changed to protect identities (lol).

andre initially asks the following question (via his status update):

If I'm a product of my environment and my subsequent conditioned behavior unconstructively contributes to society, which then directly effects my environment... where and how does the cycle end??

melody: the chicken came before the egg

anisha: when you make the conscious effort to end it.

andre: So what's the origin of the conception of the chicken? Is society to blame or am I as an individual to blame for my contributions?

If you've always only known how to write with your right hand, how quickly and to what level of efficiency can you learn to write with your left?

franchesca: depends on how much u really wanna learn to write with ya left hand...
the cycle ends when YOU decide to let it end...

amerie: I agree that it is a matter of the amount of determination that the individual has to change. Doesn't the saying go, so a man thinketh so is he..

andre: What if an individuals attempts to reform and break from their environment's cycle are in vein, as the recipient(s) of the reformation have also been conditioned by society? Although their conditioning may be slightly altered, the recipients then act as entities of society that force the motion of the cycle.

So if you have two groups within an environment that have both been conditioned and are increasingly consumed by an opportunistic cycle with each passing day and experience, unknowingly implementing that learned knowledge to antagonize the progression of breaking both cycles AND the single cycle that is thus created... where or how does the cycle end??

franchesca: the individuals attempts will be in vein ONLY if he gives up and decides not to pursue the desired end. IT still would be the recipients choice 2 ACT as he has been conditioned by his society. Maybe the recipient needs to change the society he's finds himself in then.

again both individuals must decide n want to break the cycle

amerie: I still think that it is an individuals choice. Even for those on the receiving end. If each person makes a conscious decision to live by a certain code of ethic, then even the altered conditioning of society won't take over. You have to deny yourself daily to be become who you are suppose to be.

kenya: I was once a believer that we as "Americans" have the same opportunities to achieve at the same magnitude of our peers if we were determined to do so. I can say that I feel as though I fully used the resources that were given to me to my advantage to become a young college graduate working for a fortune 10 company. Does that mean I was more determined than the next man; or that I had the knowledge and guidance from those around me, to know the resources I had at my finger tips, and how to use them. Sometimes it’s not the lack of determination of a person that keeps them trapped, but the unawareness and the ignorance around them that keeps them there.

andre: A single individual cannot break the complete cycle that effects their environment, the individual can only attempt to change themselves. Furthermore, a single individual can change the environment they're in but cannot change the society of which they exist. If their society directly effects their environment then the new environment will only be a deviation of the original.

Could it be that there is no correct answer, our minds were not created to fathom the intricacy of the synopsis, or that complete reformation is simply too late for our society?

nicole: Indeed a single individual cannot alone break the cycle. Instead, it will only change as a result of a combined effort of many in the society. Let us not forget, though, that society is made up of individuals and institutions. If many individuals decide they want to change the cycle (and actually make efforts toward that goal *KEY*), then, and only then, will they be able to also change the institutions that construct the societal norms.

andre: I agree completely. My only fear is that our society is no longer cohesive enough to make such a change as a unit. This misfortune leaves individuals who comprise the society to ask questions such as the one originally presented. I suppose the only true resolution is the unity of actively reformed individuals from each of the two groups. However, the reformation must be continuous within each individual, otherwise they will once again fall victim to the cycle. Tsk tsk

nicole: agreed. Enjoyed this conversation... Great thoughts.

_____________________

what i enjoyed most about the conversation was the fact that each individual knew exactly what the true nature of the discussion was... they knew who, or what group they were specifically conferring, but conversed in such a way that would not make one who was, let's say, not within the (knowing) group become defensive-- which would in turn takeaway from the progression that is clearly trying to be made... furthermore, this is a perfect example of "our" daily conversations, we, americans, are still fighting to break an "institution" a conditioning that has been so deeply ingrained within our culture, fighting a mindset that was strategically placed there for centuries upon centuries by... well, by our oppressors. . . and now some ex-oppressors and some of the lineage of the oppressed perpetuate behaviors that do our country, our world, a disservice...

we must change one by one... discuss. ask questions. and diversify yourself as a being.

Unforgettable- Nat King Cole

2009-07-23T12:14:00.002-04:00

Nat King Cole Show 1957

Unforgettable, thats what you are
Unforgettable though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, thats how youll stay
Thats why, darling, its incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too

my computer's sick

2009-07-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

sorry for the lack of posts everyone... my computer is in the shop- going on two weeks so its not as easy to post (sad face), but i should be getting it back soon, so fret not :-)

All Hail the King.

2009-07-09T19:12:00.003-04:00

via www.guardian.co.uk/

I dare you, I double dare you to...

2009-07-09T19:09:00.005-04:00

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”

Michael Jackson

Moonwalker.

2009-07-09T19:01:00.005-04:00

A robotic Michael Jackson head featured at the climax of his 1988 film Moonwalker, when he transforms into a robot and defeats Joe Pesci's evil character, Mr Big. Guide (via http://www.guardian.co.uk)

Shake It.

2009-07-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

via ffffound.com

Billie Holiday: Yankee Doodle Never Went To Town

2009-07-08T19:33:00.002-04:00

The Dandy: Self-made, Well-dressed, Well-mannered, and Traditional or Flamboyant.

2009-07-08T16:21:00.010-04:00

Dandy. When I hear that word a slew of things come to mind, a few of them being: the phrase "well, isn't that just dandy", the image of a flamboyantly dressed gentleman somewhere in Europe, the childhood song "Yankee Doodle", the book "Great Gatsby", and a few stylish men- one being Fonzworth Bentley.

Though I've learned about dandies here and there throughout life, I've never just sat down and researched dandies and dandyism myself. So, I decided to, and this is what I found...

(pictured left, the first dandy George Brummel)

According to Webster:

Main Entry:¹dan·dy
Pronunciation: \ˈdan-dē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural dandies

Etymology: probably short for jack-a-dandy, from ¹jack + a (of) + dandy (origin unknown)
Date: circa 1780
1 : a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
2 : something excellent in its class

So basically, a dandy is indeed a well-dressed man. To go further he is, "a man who places, particular importance or physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies." The history of the dandy is rather interesting, being that he's often defined in several ways:

1. a self-made person, who rejected bourgeois values, adapting a carefree, indolent lifestyle while emulating aristocracy

2. a person of middle class background, who imitated aristocratic style

-or simply-

3. a refined, elegant man

I find that, historically, most dandies were either very wealthy or middle class. The wealthy ones would dress extravagantly and were either flanuers- men who wanted to quintessentially experience life and observe beauty and art -OR- men who played many games (billiards, hunting, etc), lived at the cafes, dined at the inns, and were seemingly idle. The middle class dandies were often men who were innately stylish, causing them to be fawned over by the aristocrats, and their elegance and style made them extremely influential in their societies.

A famous dandy, Baudelaire, commented that the dandies had "no profession other than elegance...no other status but that of cultivating the idea of beauty in their own persons....The dandy must aspire to be sublime without interruption; he must live and sleep before a mirror."

So elegance is his job? Hmmm... let's have a closer look into "dandyism".
(excerpt from thedandy.org)

"Dandyism was born "officially" in the early 1800's. At this time there was a lot of change going on politically [the French had recently made their king a bit shorter- by a head], and socially as England was quickly surpassing France as the major cultural influence in Europe and America. What happened in short was this. A young man whose name was George Bryan Brummel, the son of a undersecretary made friends with the Prince Regent, and became one of the most influential, and even powerful men in the nation, not by his birthright, or education, or military prowess, or scholastic accomplishment...but by being well dressed.

George made quite an impression on English society, and caused many powerful people to abandon their gaudy Baroque-ish outfits and adopt Mr. Brummel's clean, elegant, simple toned manner of dressing. George Brummel's perfection of style gained him access to the highest of English society: the Dandy was born. The Dandy was a gentleman first, any other title HAD to come second. The fact that he was of noble blood of any rank, whose job had traditionally been to dress well as a sign of social standing, could be an obstacle to being a Dandy if he relied on his title, and not his style. Thus any gentleman through a command of the dress and manners of good society, could gain access to the social influence of the aristocracy. Thus, an aristocrat could only be a Dandy if his pride was his appearance and manners, not this title. Nor could a nobleman of any rank be a Dandy if he dropped in his title in conversation in order to impress, or took more pride in his heritage than his style. If ever he relied on his title, he lost his Dandyhood. This new standard had a dramatic effect on the English landscape, and wasn't long before heading across the channel to France. We'll stop with the history, and explain a bit more about the characteristics.

A Dandy pursed elegance, it was his ultimate and unique goal. Everything he did was designed to make his social presentation more elegant, thus great care had to be taken not to appear too extravagant in his dress, and of course never slovenly. A Dandy was also not a man who wares flamboyant clothing. His outfits are designed to please and add elegance and swagger to his presentation; not make him stand out a mile away, so Oscar Wilde was NOT a Dandy- in the strict definition of the term.

Oscar Wilde is not a traditional dandy

This trend of using elegant dress to influence people, while not being a novel one, nevertheless was an important one, because as there were Macaronis, Hell rakes, Fops, and other sorts of fancy figures in the history of Europe and America, they never were able to cross that line into real social power unless they had been born there. The Dandy was the first. This meant that as the 19th Century progressed, it was not a narrow aristocracy of birth that ran society, but a collection of well dressed, well mannered gentlemen who all obeyed the same set of rules, and for whom- any of whom, regardless of birth, to break the rules of etiquette, meant banishment form society. Influence and power was based around being well bred, not of noble birth... [The] Dandy is a man whose pursuit of elegance, in matters of dress, manners, and speech gains him a respect that nothing else can give. "

So flamboyant doesn't define a dandy at all, not the original dandy anyway. Using one's style and speech to achieve social status... that's an everyday thing in this century, though many fail with their pedestrian attempts. But still, this isn't far-fetched... there are a ton of phrases that emulate this way of thinking, "Dress for the job you want" "Dress for success". There are many versions of those phrases, and I'd have to agree with them all for the most part. Your appearance is important, they say people make their first impression within three-seven seconds of meeting a person. It sorta sux that people judge so quickly, but that's life... and three to seven seconds isn't enough time to carry out an intellectual conversation, but if you look good then you're off to a nice start. ( this is random, but Will Smith's movie, Six Degrees of Seperation comes to mind)

Okay, so we've covered the definition, history, and modern adaptions of dandy philosophy, now I think it's appropriate to figure out who the modern day dandies are.

Alright, so I did a well-rounded best-dressed list back in June 2008 that included- Kanye West, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Pharrell Williams, Andre Benjamin, Fonzworth Bentley, Johnny Depp, etc. And I think all of these guys could possibly be dandies, depending on the definition given. But obviously everyone can't be a dandy... here's my dandy check-list:

A dandy must:

1. place importance on being well-dressed
2. be well-mannered and elegant in speech and living -OR- be flamboyant in his "acts" of elegance.

I think there are two types of dandies: the traditional dandy and flamboyant dandy or maybe I should say the intrinsic dandy and the extrinsic dandy. I find that many people these days are moreso extrinsically dandy than intrinsically dandy, either one is okay, but I have a preference for those who are intrinsically dandy.

Fonzworth Bentley is indeed a dandy

Okay, so if I had to categorize the gents of today, then who would be what... well from the best-dressed list two guys instantly stand out- Kanye and Fonzworth. These are the main two guys from the list that I feel places great importance on being very well-dressed, and from those two I'd have to say Fonzworth Bentley is the intrinsic dandy, while Kanye West is an extrinsic dandy. Mr.Bentley doesn't over do it, he doesn't wear "loud clothing" or proclaims himself best-dressed, atleast I don't think he does. And he, much like George Brummel and other traditional dandies, wasn't born into an elite family, but rather found favor with the wealthy elite because of his style and mannerisms. Bentley was a maître d' at a New York restaurant and was "discovered" by Diddy... the rest of the story you know. Mr. West on the other hand, though I love his style, he can often go overboard and places Too much emphasis on designer labels, when that is Not what style is about. The perfect example of the two types would be Kanye's emphasis trip to Paris earlier this yea r...

I honestly think it's hard to place celebrities in one of the dandy categories because many of them dress nice, ONLY because of their fame. It's hard to figure out who just has "it" and would still have "it" if they were working a regular 9-5. For that reason, I feel photographers, writers, artist and such are better people to give such a title too. Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist himself, is a given traditional dandy to me... he observes people, beauty, style and (from what I can tell) is an intrinsically elegant man. I'm sure many of you have atleast one person in mind that could be either of the two types of dandies....

Scott the Sartorialist

It's easier for me to group celebrities of the past as dandies... Fred Astaire is often categorized as a dandy, I think the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford) were dandies of their time, I'd have to be candid and say a good amount people of color in entertainment in the 50s, 60s, were intrinsic dandies- being extremely elegant was the only way many of them would even be given the opportunity to entertain despite their musical genuis (so Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, etc etc).

Rat Pack

Nat King Cole

Fred Astaire

Perhaps in a decade or so we'll look back and call Michael Jackson a sort of dandy- who knows... I think dandyism is still very much in play today, it's just a little harder to point out. Who would you all consider a (modern) dandy?

Andre Benjamin... I'd call him a southern dandy

sources: mytholoke.com, thedandy.org

Just Live.

2009-07-03T10:53:00.002-04:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

Look Good, Dress Well

2009-07-03T10:07:00.000-04:00

“Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.” Oscar Wilde.

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”

2009-07-03T09:51:00.001-04:00

Love at first sight.

2009-07-03T09:24:00.003-04:00

1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II.

This is Michael Jackson, to me.

2009-07-03T08:47:00.006-04:00

“What I see in these pictures today,” he said, “is that you’re looking at this young man whose entire life had been spent as a big star. He never really had a childhood.”

photographer jeffery scales, new york times

5 Styled Jacksons.

2009-06-26T20:50:00.005-04:00

Michael
Marlon
Jermaine
Tito
Jackie
(Randy)

vintage michael jackson and jackson 5 photos.

"Times are Changing... You Can't Run From Time, No Matter What You Think"

2009-06-26T16:56:00.004-04:00

VIBE: Are you concerned about the future of your career?

Andre 3000: Yup. Always.

VIBE: Why?

Andre 3000: Because the times are changing. You can’t run from time, no matter what you think. Some of the greatest people in the world, whom I love, time caught up with them. No matter how great they are, time catches up with you. And you have kids that grew up listening to you, that have learned and studied what you do, and perfected it, and took it to other levels—that’s what we’re here for.I was influenced by somebody and, hopefully, I influenced somebody else. And then somebody get influenced by them—it’s steps. You almost got to make a way for what’s to come.

Do the Right thing and diversify your life because Spike Lee said so

2009-06-25T16:43:00.006-04:00

photo stills from Do the Right Thing (1989)

Though I can appreciate some of his messages and his success- I'm honestly not always a fan of spike lee joints... but I admire his creativity.

photos via This Recording

Country Club Exclusive

2009-06-25T16:32:00.007-04:00

http://thisrecording.com/books/2009/1/17/in-which-you-must-be-new.html

Main Entry:¹ex·clu·sive
Pronunciation: \iks-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\
Function: adjective
Date: 1515

1 a: excluding or having power to exclude b: limiting or limited to
possession, control, or use by a single individual or group
2 a: excluding others from participation b: snobbishly aloof
3 a: accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage
(as of the upper class) b: stylish, fashionable c: restricted in
distribution, use, or appeal because of expense

Member of the Club

by LAWRENCE OTIS GRAHAM

Fall in Love, Every Once in Awhile

2009-06-23T17:31:00.003-04:00

It'll make you feel refreshed...

Be Like... Rudy.

2009-06-23T01:31:00.003-04:00

Have heart...

at all times.

Rudy, an american football player.
Team: the fighting irish- Notre Dame.
Movie: released in 1993, based on a true story of Dan "Rudy" Ruettiger

billionaire bio: Ted Turner

2009-06-18T08:36:00.004-04:00

"I am very serious about running for president, but Jane doesn't want me to do it." - Ted Turner

Billionaire. Owns: Cable New Network (CNN), Turner Network television (includes TBS, TCM, Cartoon Network, Etc), the Atlanta Braves and Hawks. Donated 1 billion dollars to the United Nations.

How did he do it? Rich Father.

Turner' s media empire began with his father' s billboard business which he took over at the age of 24 after his father' s suicide.The billboard business, Turner Outdoor Advertising, was worth approximately $1 million when Turner took it over in 1963. Purchase of an Atlanta UHF station in 1970 began the assemblage of the Turner Broadcasting System.

How can you do it? Well-executed ambition or a wealthy mentor, who treats you like the son he never had.

Implicit Poise.

2009-06-18T07:58:00.003-04:00

Daniel Craig aka
James Bond.

via http://iconology.therndm.com

A Gallon of Gravity

2009-06-16T18:46:00.002-04:00

Keep Trimmed

2009-06-16T18:42:00.002-04:00

Words.

2009-06-13T12:21:00.006-04:00

i appreciate websites that consist of nothing but phrases that make you think... or laugh... or agree... you know- makes you feel a certain emotion even if only for a second. ive been discovering these sites alot lately, but mainly because of my favorite site (next to mines) ffffound. the saying above can be found here, it's basically a site that counted down to new years with new years resolutions. neat-o.

it's Saturday: Go Play!

2009-06-13T11:38:00.004-04:00

don't smoke, but go have some fun.

define: flâneur- a gentleman stroller of the streets.

2009-06-13T01:10:00.008-04:00

to be flâneur or a flâneur. the word often has 2 connatations- positive and negative. but we will take on the positive definition...

The term flâneur comes from the French masculine noun flâneur—which has the basic meanings of "stroller", "lounger", "saunterer", "loafer"—which itself comes from the French verb flâner, which means "to stroll". Charles Baudelaire developed a derived meaning of flâneur—that of "a person who walks the city in order to experience it". Because of the term's usage and theorization by Baudelaire and numerous thinkers in economic, cultural, literary and historical fields, the idea of the flâneur has accumulated significant meaning as a referent for understanding urban phenomena and modernity.

Flâneur: Refers to an urban, upper-middle class ideal man of society. A flâneur takes pleasure in observing the modern, progressive, everyday life. He takes in his surroundings, both the fleeting beauty and the universal, timeless beauty, and he is conscious of social distinction.

“Flâneuse”: The female version of a flâneur. This term was not coined during the Impressionist time period. Woman, according to society, could not actually be an observer of the modern, nor could she be progressive or conscious of the movement of urban, modern life. Artists like Cassatt and Morisot did paintings which placed women in society and portrayed them as observers of the modern and equals of the flâneur.

“The street becomes a dwelling for the flâneur; he is as much at home among the facades of houses as a citizen in his four walls. To him the shiny, enamelled signs of business are at least as good a wall ornament as an oil painting is to a bourgeois in his salon. The walls are the desk against which he presses his notebooks; newsstands are his libraries and the terraces of cafés are the balconies from which he looks down on his household after his work is done.”

––– Walter Benjamin, “The Flâneur”

*the "flâneur" (the one who strolls) and "flânerie" (the act of strolling) are often associated with Paris.

Timeless Cool: Sammy Davis Jr

2009-06-10T09:26:00.004-04:00

I like to venture off into "blogland" sometimes. It happens in a variety of ways, but one of the common ways is going to the profile of an Urban Gentleman reader who commented on a post, then I go to their blog and depending on how interesting I'll spend some time there or perhaps go to a blog they have on their "blogroll".... There's a guy named Keith who comments on my blog here and there and I noticed him because of the great picture he was using as his avatar- so I clicked on his blog and instantly fell in love. Why? Because there's nothing better than vintage photos of cool people- and he seemingly has thousands. He sort of has "his & her" blogs: The Dino Lounge: Coolness is Timeless and Sugar & Spice. I may not have the time to visit them both everyday, but when I do- it's always a treat....

photos obviously snagged from his blog :)

fashion in our town.

2009-06-08T16:03:00.008-04:00

fashion.

I Don't Need to Iron My Shirt...

2009-06-08T14:47:00.004-04:00

... because I'm a Hipster.

Ouigi of the BkC, Street Style
(early last fall)

Ouigi is wearing a BkC shirt, A.P.C. jeans, Clarks shoes,
vintage Carrera sunglasses, and carrying a BkC bag.

photo cred: Kreiger
via racked.com

Finally Fashion Is Practical: Nom de Guerre

2009-06-08T14:27:00.007-04:00

Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean, the man is Clean.

Its hard to find beat style that is completely practical. (beat = cool). Though classic, brands like Ralph Lauren and Benjamin Bixby are usually romantic, when putting on their clothes you feel like a character in a book. Which is by all means a great feelings but its something that all cannot handle, and not everyone should even be expected to reach style heights of that caliber. However, all should look great in clothes. Nom de Guerre offers just that- an opportunity to look great in clothes even if you do not embody the personality that often goes with being an impeccably dressed man... is any of this making sense to you? Maybe not, but enjoy- I'm really feeling his 2009 looks. I'll show Fall 2009 in the Fall, for now enjoy his Spring 2009 Look Book.

James Dean

2009-06-08T08:54:00.003-04:00

Wear your hair like this... because the girls will like it.

Brooklyn. We Go Hard.

2009-06-05T12:14:00.007-04:00

Get me back to Brooklyn... I wanna join the circus. (giggles)

Anyone who knows me, knows I heart my east village... the village in general, but the East Village just contains so many types of areas and has so many kinds of people- the artsy creative types, the skater kids, the really rich but down to earth people, etc etc. But with all that said, these Brooklyn Boys make me wanna cross the bridge.

The Brooklyn Circus- I've heard about them, seen the pictures, at first I couldn't figure out exactly who or what they are but now I understand. The Brooklyn Circus is a brand that extends itself to a lifestyle, and that's what a true brand is. It is also a store- 3 stores to be exact (Chicago, Brooklyn, and San Francisco) and they carry several brands- adidas, Brixton, Cheap Monday, Goorin, G-Shock, J. Lindeberg, Kangol, Maharishi, Nooka, Nudie Co. Jeans, Onie Denim/Bs United, Phaidon, Rich Yung, Sebago, Staple Design, Tachen, The BKc, Umbro by Kim Jones, and Vael Footwear.

I just spent close to an hour perusing their photos (sigh)- why can't all guys dress like this:) So now Jacinda's favorite lifestyle brands for men- Ralph Lauren, Benjamin Bixby, and the BKc.

Photos to experience the The Brooklyn Circus.
(click to enlarge)

for more visit their blog, here.

top photo by SHEITEN M Photography
the BKc photos via The Brooklyn Circus Blog

be my husband

2009-06-03T14:44:00.008-04:00

little girls need men to look up to too.

this picture makes me think about that.
when you wonder why, "that girl is choosing the wannabe gangster over you- a clear gentleman" well maybe its because she doesnt know what a gentleman looks like. she wasnt taught to prefer the man who treats her right, make sure she makes it in the house safely, insists he pay, and keeps it real-- instead she was only left with those around her who were... less than unexceptional.

be patient
and be a man
that little girls can look up to.

be cool. set standards.

photo title: TAMIKA (painting of MOS DEF)
photo via SHEITEN M Photography
(http://www.myspace.com/modameperdu)

You Make Me Feel Pretty: With Your Art

2009-06-03T14:06:00.003-04:00

RONIN-SS is his name, and his (graphic) art is--- simply amazing.
Check him out here.

budding photographers travel...

2009-06-03T10:05:00.007-04:00

when i have the time- i facebook or i peruse it to say the least. i have certain profiles i like to visit more than others simply because they're so much more interesting- they either have the most hilarious status updates, post great articles, write thought-provoken notes, or have cool pictures- and my fb friend coleman collins falls into the "cool pictures" category. we went to high school together, he played bball for virgina tech, played international ball (for germany?) and travels...

his latest collection of photos are cool
(they lost some of quality w/ the upload, click to enlarge)

eurograf in paris or berlin

mexico

mexico

rue de navarin

rue de navarin
(i hearts obama)

bathrooms can be really cool
sometimes

him
linen shirts are a must for men, for the summer months

louis store in paris
i like the white corduroy blazer, or is that seer sucker?
hmm i cant tell, but either way a nice addition to a summer wardrobe

friend and bro, i like their clothes
always try to look effortlessly great when on vaca

(i feel kinda intrusive... i hope he doesnt mind me reposting these... hmmm, maybe i should have asked first, lol, my badd)

The Stylish Progression From Boy To Man

2009-06-02T01:42:00.009-04:00

I believe there comes a time in every young man's life- in which he must answer the pinnacle question: "Am I ready to be a man?"

When answering this he must consciously think about his past-- and what the future could possibly bring. He must ask himself "Am I sincerely ready to travel and be on my own like those before me-- (insert names of great men that inspire you, fictional or real)". Ready to tell mom and dad, "It's okay, I can handle it." Ready to face it when he has to cut out Friday nights at Stats or Pink Pony because the insurance on the brand new Honda or perhaps Audi just isn't going to pay for itself.

And just as he asks himself these questions about life's essentials, he must also ask himself the same about another "life category" that actually, even if not admittedly, is as important. Just as there is a time in which his actions must ripen from boyish to manly- as must his style develop from the worlds to his own. It is quite hard to know when that time has come. The decision to buy a house, buy a car, or even to get married comes more naturally to most men, than to decide that "I must now own my look, my own style."

The truth is, most men never own up or develop it. They progress from immaturity to dignified maturation while always missing one element that few are able to acquaint themselves with. Many become great men, distinguished, erudite men, but not quite embodying the maximum meaning of those words because he lacks the complete essence of it.

Those before you who took the important leap did so because they felt it necessary to grow into manhood- at it's entirety. It is a complex situation- to decide what style, what look, will sum you up. To figure out what people will see of you before you mutter the simplest word. As you walk through Whole Foods, figuring out where they stash the Bolthouse smoothies- what one second summary will the girl restocking the oranges think? As the red double decker full of tourist pass you while you're off 42nd and 6th- what will be their impression of the true new yorker as they gaze upon you?

And as I ask, you must ask-- travel deep into the depths of who you are and decide. Do you wish to present an outward image that fully reflects your personality? Or do you wish to be true to yourself while yet knowing that providing those on the outside with a particular reflection will only enhance your current position- be it financial, emotional, or simply artificial (in the many ways it can be)? The choice is yours...

It requires reflection, perhaps a long overdue visit to the men who have come before you- fathers, grandfathers, great uncles. Maybe it takes you finally releasing what will make "her" like you and focusing on what will make "you" like you... while hoping she sticks around for the progression.

For some, this journey, this leap, this step happens naturally- happening between 24-28 (lucky bastards). While for others, because of life's circumstances, late 30s, 40s, and midlife crisis's will induce a band-aid pull effect-- this change will be sudden, very quick and fast. But for you, because you were smart enough to be on this particular site and read this particular article on this day- you have the delighted and highly coveted-- choice.

You can choose to further peruse in a stagnated manhood, silently chuckle because you semi-arrogantly but mainly pridefully have already become a man and developed your own style, or you can begin this journey. Flip the coin, roll the dice, choose from the petals of a flower if you wish... I suggest that maybe, just maybe it is time to become an, Urban Gentleman.

- Urban Gentleman editor

Today, I Introduce, The Urban Gentleman, Part II

2009-06-02T01:35:00.003-04:00

Today is a good day. It marks the first day of my newest Urban Gentleman endeavor- The Urban Gent Part II (as some may call it)... In a few weeks it'll be the one year anniversary of The Urban Gentleman, but that is another story for another day...

Now for my first official post, this should be good. lol.

what the fck is this? (lol).

2009-05-28T18:55:00.004-04:00

Sooooo some may foolishly ask "Jacinda, what's going on? 2 Urban Gent blogs?? What's the cause of all this hoopla?" To that I say- slow your roll buddy, I love the original Urban Gentleman, but sometimes I feel it's a bit... commercial? Idk, it just lacks an element that it originally exhibited and now I feel I'm in too deep to go back, so instead I'll get my other perspective out this way.

Basically this blog is for The Urban Gentleman with a... different type of mind, the one who is a bit more mmmm- open, the one who wants to moreso aimlessly explore the true definition of an Urban Gentleman. Well the other blog gives you that too, but basically this is just another perspective, not many "how tos" or "best places" just feelings, and words, and opinions, and photos, etcetera etcetera- you get me?

I'm too tired to expound further, so anyway I give to you (sorta again) The Urban Gentleman.

Enjoy! Jacinda

Men of Honor.

2009-02-20T12:25:00.002-05:00

Tuskegee Airmen.

art's style.

2009-01-11T15:34:00.008-05:00

tazmania.

2009-01-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

The Urban Gentleman

2008-06-14T17:23:00.001-04:00

The best blog for men's fashion and grooming is: The Urban Gentleman

http://theurbangent.blogspot.com